Now, Mani Ratnam film faces Christian ire

Barely had the dust settled on Vishwaroopam row that Mani Ratnam’s latest film Kadal came under attack for “hurting Christian sentiments”.

In a complaint to Chennai police commissioner S George on Monday, a little-known Indian Christian Democratic Party alleged that the film had six objectionable scenes, and if the director did not edit them out the film be banned.

A senior police officer told HT they had begun an inquiry. “We have not yet seen the film. We expect to get to a view by the weekend,” he said.

The group’s chief N Christudoss said the film made disagreeable references to Jesus Christ.

Ratnam could not be reached for comments. But one of his assistant directors, Ganashekaran, told HT that there was hardly any substance in the allegations. “At every stage, Church leaders’ advice was taken,” said Ganashekaran.

So far, no major Christian organisation or Church has supported the complaint against the Tamil movie that released on February 1.

In another development on Tuesday, the Madras High Court dismissed a complaint against Haasan’s Vishwaroopam by a Christian lawyer.

Also, some Hindu groups are demanding a ban on Aadhi Bhagavan as they found the title “hurtful”. The movie is set to release on February 14.